Module manager: Prof. Chris Taylor
Email: c.a.taylor@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Leading on from ‘Defining Your Practice’, the development and positioning of art practice in relation to public contexts will structure the progression of your work in this module, building your awareness of the social and cultural contexts, networks and histories that inform contemporary art’s production and presentation, You will continue to be located in studio-based research groups with access to technical workshops as you resolve your art practice towards a public outcome project, either individually or in groups. Public Contexts might be explored through exhibition, publication, site responsive working, residencies, or other modes of dissemination and presentation. The module supports you to identify an independent and critically aware position as a contemporary practitioner and provides a practice-basis for developing future research intentions.
Practice into Public Contexts aims to build upon the skills developed in the previous practice-based modules to consider contemporary art practice in public and professional contexts.
The studio-based research groups continue to support peer to peer learning, with opportunities to discuss the direction of your art practice and research, and the practical and conceptual considerations of art practice in relation to public contexts. The groups provide feedback for project proposals and a network for public outcome activity
On successful completion of the module you will be able to:
1. Apply extended practical, conceptual, and technical skills relevant to positioning your art practice in public contexts.
2. Evaluate your art practice within a public context, demonstrating an awareness of and sensitivity to the complexity and diversity of its social, and cultural context, and its relation to site and community.
3. Use research skills effectively to underpin an informed practice situated within public contexts.
4. Implement curatorial approaches, project presentation, and dissemination strategies to effectively communicate and professionally present your practice to diverse audiences.
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Identify a range of opportunities and contexts, making appropriate choices within time constraints.
2. Plan and develop art practice to a public resolution, working to deadlines, negotiating with external organisations, and demonstrating initiative and resourcefulness in the planning of individual, collaborative, or group projects.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 2 | 1.5 | 3 |
| Lecture | 7 | 1 | 7 |
| Seminar | 4 | 3 | 12 |
| Seminar | 6 | 3 | 18 |
| Private study hours | 360 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 40 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
156
Student progress is monitored through individual and group feedback in the context of studio groups, and the exhibition/display of practical work.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Portfolio | 100 |
| Coursework | Dissertation Proposal | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team